Autism Spectrum Disorder Introduction

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Autism spectrum disorder is a brain development disorder that affects how a person perceives and socializes with others, causing difficulties with social interaction and communication. The disorder also includes limited and repetitive behavioral patterns. The term "spectrum" refers to the wide range of symptoms and severity associated with autism spectrum disorder.

Autism spectrum disorder manifests itself in early childhood and eventually causes difficulties in social, academic, and occupational functioning. Autism symptoms frequently appear in children within the first year of life. A small number of children appear to develop normally in the first year, but then experience regression between the ages of 18 and 24 months, when they develop autism symptoms.

Autistic people may be hypersensitive or hyposensitive to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light, colours, temperatures, or pain. For example, they may find certain background sounds, such as music in a restaurant, unbearably loud or distracting, while others ignore or block them out. This can result in anxiety or even physical discomfort. Due to discomfort, many autistic people prefer not to hug, which can be misinterpreted as cold and aloof.

Because of their sensitivity issues, many autistic people avoid everyday situations. Schools, workplaces, and shopping malls can be especially stressful and cause sensory overload. Many simple modifications can be made to make environments more autism-friendly.

Causes

There is no single known cause of autism spectrum disorder. Given the disorder's complexity and the fact that symptoms and severity vary, there are most likely multiple causes:

  • Genetics: Autism spectrum disorder appears to be caused by a number of different genes. Some genetic mutations appear to be inherited, whereas others appear to occur spontaneously.
  • Environmental considerations: Researchers are currently investigating whether viral infections, medications or complications during pregnancy, or air pollutants can cause autism spectrum disorder.

Research shows that early intervention leads to positive outcomes later in life for people with autism.

vectors by Freepick; graphic design by Vadot


Reference:

Autism spectrum disorder - Symptoms and causes. (2018). Mayo Clinic; https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autism-spectrum-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20352928 ‌

What Is Autism? | Autism Speaks. (2013). Autism Speaks. https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism ‌

National Autistic Society. (2023). What is Autism? Autism.org.uk. https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/what-is-autism

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